Location: Walthall County, MS | Metro: Lawrence County, MS
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,020 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,566 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,754 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,894 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,989 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,270 | $160,024 | 0.79% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate landscape in ZIP 39641, characterized by a median home value of $155,340, suggests a balanced market where neither buyers nor sellers hold overwhelming pricing power. The absence of percentage data on listings that have been reduced indicates stability in asking prices, implying that homeowners are not feeling pressured to lower their prices significantly to attract buyers. This, combined with the unreported median days on market (DOM), points to a market where homes are likely selling at or near their listed prices, maintaining the equilibrium.
On the rental side, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 39641 is projected at $980 for the fiscal year 2026, while the current market rent stands at $937 according to the Census ACS. This signals a slight upward pressure on rents, aligning with broader trends indicating an increase in demand for affordable housing options. Landlords and small-portfolio investors can anticipate a gradual rise in rental income as the market adjusts towards the FMR, making rental properties in this area increasingly attractive to tenants seeking affordable living spaces.
For long-term investors, the setup in ZIP 39641 implies a realistic appreciation thesis based on the interplay between home values and rental rates. As the rental market gradually moves closer to the FMR, it could support a modest increase in property values due to the higher rental income potential. However, the lack of significant reductions in listing prices and the stable DOM suggest that rapid appreciation is unlikely. Instead, investors should expect a steady, albeit slow, growth in asset values, driven by the natural progression of rental market conditions and the overall economic health of the area.
To summarize, the current market indicators in ZIP 39641 point towards a scenario where both home values and rental rates will experience gradual increases over the next 12-24 months. This environment supports a conservative appreciation thesis for long-term investors, emphasizing the importance of patience and strategic investment in this region.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.